I purchased a freehold house in Blythe Bridge but still charged rent, why is this and what is this?

It is rare for properties in Blythe Bridge and has limited impact for conveyancing in Blythe Bridge but some freehold properties in England (particularly common in North West England) pay an annual sum known as a Chief Rent or a Rentcharge to a third party who has no other legal interest in the land.

Rentcharge payments are usually between £2.00 and £5.00 per year. Rentcharges have existed for many centuries, but the Rent Charge Act 1977 barred the establishment of fresh rentcharges post 1977.

Previous rentcharges can now be redeemed by making a lump sum payment under the Act. Any rentcharges that are still in existence post 2037 is to be extinguished.

I am planning to acquire a flat and need a conveyancing solicitor in Blythe Bridge who is on the Bank of Scotland conveyancing. Can you recommend a local conveyancing firm?

Our service is limited to being a directory service for firms who wish to listed as being on the approved conveyancing panel for Bank of Scotland in certain locations such as Blythe Bridge. We dont recommend any particular firm.

Should our lawyer be raising enquiries about flooding as part of the conveyancing in Blythe Bridge.

Flooding is a growing risk for solicitors conducting conveyancing in Blythe Bridge. There are those who buy a house in Blythe Bridge, completely expectant that at some time, it may be flooded. However, aside from the physical destruction, where a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage, adequate insurance cover, or sell the premises. Steps can be carried out as part of the conveyancing process to forewarn the purchaser.

Conveyancers are not qualified to give advice on flood risk, but there are a number of checks that can be carried out by the buyer or on a buyer’s behalf which will figure out the risks in Blythe Bridge. The standard property information forms given to a purchaser’s conveyancer (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) includes a standard inquiry of the vendor to discover whether the premises has suffered from flooding. In the event that the premises has been flooded in past which is not revealed by the owner, then a buyer may commence a claim for damages resulting from an misleading reply. A buyer’s conveyancers will also conduct an enviro search. This should reveal if there is any known flood risk. If so, additional inquiries will need to be made.

I have a renovated Georgian property in Blythe Bridge. Conveyancing lawyer acted for me and Coventry Building Society. I did a free Land Registry search last week and I saw a couple of entries: the first freehold, the second leasehold under the exact same address. I'd like to know for sure, how can I find out??

You need to assess the Freehold register you have again and check the Charges Register as there may be mention of a lease. The best way to be sure that you are also the registered owner of the leasehold and freehold title as well is to check (£3). It is not completely unheard of in Blythe Bridge and other areas of the country and poses no real issues for owners other than when they sell they have to account for both freehold and leasehold interests when dealing with lenders. You can also check the position with your conveyancing practitioner who conducted the purchase.

I decided to have a survey done on a property in Blythe Bridge before instructing conveyancers. I have been informed that there is a flying freehold element to the house. Our surveyor has said that some banks tend not issue a loan on such a property.

It depends who your proposed lender is. Lloyds has different requirements for example to Birmingham Midshires. Should you wish to telephone us we can check via the appropriate lender. If you lender is happy to lend one our lawyers can assist as they are used to dealing with flying freeholds in Blythe Bridge. Conveyancing can be more complicated and therefore you should check with your conveyancing solicitor in Blythe Bridge to see if the conveyancing will be more expensive.